Spock stood looking at the floor of McCoy's office, Jim had boarded the lift before he could reach him. The look on his face...had Jim overheard the conversation between himself and Dr. McCoy? Glancing at the scowling man in front of him, Spock held back a sigh. He wanted to go find Jim, to find out why he'd decided to leave instead of...
"Damnit Spock! If you're going to ignore me too, why don't you just leave?"
Spock blinked as his gaze focused on an angry Leonard McCoy. "My apologies doctor, I was going over something...important." Spock didn't feel the need to tell McCoy his thoughts had been on Jim, not if his earlier questions had meant anything. "If there is nothing else,.."
"There is a whole lot else, you green blooded hobgoblin! Just what the hell is going on between you two? Jim's my best friend and he's been through more than you know so if you're playin' games..."
Spock cut off McCoy's rant with a sharp look. "There is no reason to lecture me on what the Captain has and has not been through, doctor." Spock could feel his anger burning just under his skin. Fueled by jealousy, Spock took a step closer to McCoy's desk. "I am not playing any games with him nor do I feel the need to explain what is or is not between myself and the Captain." Spock's tone was sharp and matter of fact, he could see the surprise in McCoy's eyes as he struggled to control his anger. "If you will excuse me doctor, there is something I must attend to before I find the Captain." Spock turned and left the office, his steps taking him through sick bay and out the doors into the corridor. Taking a deep breath, Spock closed his eyes and tried to control his thoughts. Where was Jim, why had he left sick bay without him? Letting out a small sound of frustration, Spock opened his eyes as he turned towards the turbolift, he was supposed to have met Nyota twenty-minutes ago but had gotten distracted by Jim's abrupt departure. He ordered the lift to the crew mess hall, if he were lucky he would be able to speak with her then begin his search for Jim.
When the lift stopped, he exited the small space and walked down the hall. His steps slow and measured. Spock paused in front of the doors to the crew mess hall. He knew he and Nyota would need to talk but it wouldn't happen right now. Right now his first concern was finding Jim and ascertaining that he was unharmed. Turning, Spock headed back towards the lift, waiting impatiently for it to arrive. Once the doors hissed open in front of him, he blinked in surprise. "Captain?"
Jim's head snapped up. "Hey, I, uh, I-I thought I'd find you down here." He was shocked to find Spock standing in front of him. Looking behind him, Jim saw that the corridor was empty. "You're, uh, you're not eating?" He held the dark gaze in front of him. Tried to keep as calm as possible in the face of what he'd learned from Selek.
"I wished to be certain of your well being...Jim." Spock hesitated on saying the name. The small thrill of pleasure as Jim's eyes lit up showed he'd made the right choice, however. "Have you eaten?"
"No, I, ummm, I was looking for you, I mean I know you have plans with Uhura..." Jim drifted off, hating the curl of jealousy spreading through his stomach. When Spock didn't move, Jim stepped back, his back hitting the wall and waited. He hadn't realized he'd been holding his breath until he'd released it once Spock had boarded the lift.
"I will explain the situation to Nyota once I have made certain that you have eaten and are resting comfortably." Spock stepped through the lift doors, watching as Jim released a soft breath. He studied the man in front of him, taking in the light blue shirt and dark jeans. Looking at Jim's feet, he frowned. "Where are your shoes, Jim?"
Jim blinked as he looked down at his feet. "Oh, uh, I forgot them in my quarters?" He'd been so distracted by his earlier conversation with Selek, that he'd gotten dressed without his shoes. Looking back up at Spock, Jim grinned, "I was looking for you for a game later, uh, a-after I talked to Scotty about those upgrades." Jim knew the reaction he'd get, watched Spock closely as he thought about what Jim suggested.
"I will accompany you as you go speak with Mr. Scott." When Jim smiled, Spock tilted his head slightly to the left. "Would you not prefer to retrieve your shoes first?" He wasn't sure why but the thought of someone else seeing Jim in any state of undress bothered him. Even if it were something as minor as his lack of shoes. Spock watched as Jim's toes wiggled against the coarse carpet, fascinated at the fact that they were just as tan as Jim's hands.
"I used to do a lot of work outside back on the family farm. Mom always swore that I'd kill myself someday but..." Jim paused as he remembered that he'd already done that and thanks to Spock and Bones, he was miraculously alive. Looking up at Spock, he froze. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."
"It is alright, Jim." Spock interrupted the soft apology. They continued down to engineering, both aware of the other. Spock could feel the bright, blue eyes looking at him. Watching him in a way they never have before. When the lift stopped two decks before engineering, Spock was surprised to see Jim push away from the wall and exit the lift. "Capt...Jim." He corrected himself at Jim's look. "Engineering is two decks down, this is the observation deck."
Jim grinned, "I know, we usually don't discuss upgrades down there. Way to noisy and Scotty tends to shout louder than needed when drinking." Jim walked down the corridor, aware of Spock following close behind. He will follow you anywhere you lead him. Show him what it is you wish for him to know, he will give you the answers that you seek. Jim sucked in a quick breath. He needed to know the truth, he needed to know just what the hell they had seen in the meld. What did it all mean and how are they supposed to deal with it? "Come on, Scotty and Pavel have the best ideas when it comes to these upgrades. I can pretty much learn anything I didn't know from those two." He chuckled as he walked through the doors and into the large room used for the observation deck.
Spock looked around, the primary room was filled with a variety of plant life. The flowers were beautiful, some giving off a pleasant scent while others were for decoration. It was a rich blue and purple flower that had caught his attention, however. Moving closer, Spock watched as the colors changed to a reddish gold, the petals unfurling slowly.
"Don't get to close, that one's known to paralyze a person if you touch the petals. Not to sure I wanna know what it'll do to a Vulcan." Jim said softly
Spock tried to push back the shiver that moved down his spine, Jim was standing behind him, closer than he normally would. Stepping back from the group of flowers, Spock turned to find a smiling Jim looking back at him. Nodding, he remained silent, afraid that his voice would betray how he was really feeling.
Jim took a deep breath then turned and headed back towards the second room of the observation deck. He was pretty sure Spock would forgive him for not being fully honest. As he walked down the softly lit path, he could hear the soft crunch of Spock's boots on the gravel. It was soothing, in an odd sort of way, to know that no matter what, Spock trusted him. As he walked into the back room, he grinned at the group in the far corner. He waved as Scotty motioned them over, looking back at Spock, Jim smiled as he turned back to the others. "Hope you're hungry, looks like Hikaru cooked."
Spock nodded as he looked around at everyone in the group. Surprised to find Dr. McCoy deep in discussion with Mr. Sulu and Mr. Scott. Nodding in greeting to the trio, Spock followed Jim as he sat down on a bench across from Sulu and McCoy. "I am surprised to find you here, doctor."
"Yeah well, Jimbo called and I answered." McCoy said in a gruff voice.
"Hey guys, anything left to eat, I'm starving." Jim asked reaching for a bowl in front of Scotty.
"You can have a burger and fries, just don't over do it." McCoy looked at Jim with a fond expression. "No beer, Jim."
"Come on Bones that's the best part of a burger and fries meal!" Jim grinned as he took a bite of his food.
"Aye laddie but how about a good stiff scotch fer ya'?" Scotty grinned as Jim's face lit up with pleasure. "Would you like ta' try some Mr. Spock?"
Spock nodded, watching as Jim gave a small nod of approval. He was surprised by the small curl of warmth that unfurled in his stomach. He should not crave such attention from Jim but he did and he basked in it selfishly on the inside, despite his blank facade. He took the small glass Scotty handed him and studied the amber liquid. "Fascinating." He said softly.
Jim chuckled as he watched Spock. "What, the glass or the Scotch?" He took the shot glass McCoy handed him and downed the alcohol, relishing the slow warmth that spread through out his body. Gasping in pleasure, Jim grinned as his eyes drifted closed. "God, that felt good."
Spock could feel his body tingling as he drank the dark liquid. "This is not something I have tried before. It is a rather unique drink."
Scotty laughed as he turned to Sulu with a quick grin. "Here laddie, you need one along with the rest of us." He frowned when he say the clear liquid sitting next to him. "Ach, Sulu tell me that isn't..."
"Pure, Wussian Vodka." Chekov said with a voice full of pride. "It is the best ewer." He grinned as he passed a cup to Spock and Jim.
Jim took the glass with a soft laugh. "We are going to be so hung over tomorrow."
McCoy grinned as he watched his friend closely. "You aren't on duty for another 48 hours. Enjoy yourself a little, Jim."
Jim looked down into his cup, he could feel Spock watching him, his surprise at McCoy's words made him pause in drinking his drink.
"Captain, is everything alright?" Spock asked softly. He did not want to alert the others to his concern, especially if it was unwarranted. When he looked at Jim, however, he wasn't sure if that was the case.
"Walk with me?" Jim asked softly. He stood up, holding his cup between his hands. "We need to talk." He looked around the group, aware that they were all doing there best not to watch the interaction between Spock and himself. Glancing over at Spock, Jim turned and headed towards the back of the observation deck, disappearing behind a group of plants. His stomach fluttered as he heard the soft crunch of the path behind him. He will follow you any where you go, ask and he will do. Jim tried to control his breathing, having come this far to test his theory, he couldn't back out now.
He stopped when he reached the center of the solarium. A small table and chairs grouping had been set up for more private and intimate conversations. He didn't turn when Spock walked up behind him. He kept his back to him, knowing Spock would wait until he was addressed. "Tell me what happened today? What..." Jim broke off as the heat from the body behind him seemed closer than before. "What is it we saw in the meld."
Spock wasn't sure how much he should explain. He wanted to tell Jim everything, from what they had seen and shared to what was unknown to them still. "It would seem that we share a set of memories that neither of us knew about. I am unsure as to the nature of them or how we are in possession of them."
"They're not Selek's, his Jim Kirk had hazel eyes." Jim sat down, looking up at Spock, he waited until he was seated as well. "W-when I told you I would contact Selek to help, you, uh, you seemed...adamant...that I don't." Jim took a sip from his glass and gasped. Looking down quickly, he felt his eyes filling with tears as he chuckled hoarsely. "Fuck this shit burns, must be pure grain." He looked back up at Spock and grinned. "We need to make sure we confiscate this or I'll have a crew drunk off their asses."
Spock nodded, his dark gaze fixed on Jim. He was flushed from the alcohol, his cheeks colored a dusky rose and his lips were parted as he took small breaths. Taking a sip from his own glass, he blinked in surprise at the sharp burn that passed down his throat. "This is..." He paused, searching for the right word until Jim laughed lightly.
"It's good is what it is. Now stop stalling, tell me why you didn't want me to go to Selek?" Jim watched Spock closely. Selek had told him that despite Spock's mixed heritage, it was possible for him to get drunk. The fact that Spock never did was also revealed in their conversation.
It works on us faster than it would you, Ashaya. It pushes back inhibitions, makes us more willing to be open but still remain cautious.
So, I have to get him drunk in order to get the full truth from him?
He will give you the truth or as much as he deems you need to know.
I need to know everything, I mean christ, I'm having dreams of us...a-and I need to...I just need him to confirm or deny what I felt from him today, that's all.
Ask and he will do all in his power to obey. You are our greatest weakness, Jim Kirk and our greatest strength.
Spock struggled to hold back the jealousy that spiked through him. "I do not wish for him to have to worry with something he can not assist with directly. It is more than logical that I assist you, being that I am the one here with you." Spock looked at the man across from him. The space around them suddenly seemed charged, the energy making the hair on his arms stand up. "I do not wish for him to know of such intimate things between us." Spock said softly, his stomach fluttering with the soft admission.
Jim blinked in surprise. "He's your counterpart, Spock, he could help." Jim could understand not wanting to share what they'd seen. Especially when it was so very new to them as well. Shaking his head, Jim continued to sip from his cup, watching as Spock matched him. "We'll be drunk by the end of the night, you know that right?"
"It does not affect me as it does you, Jim." Spock could feel the heat of the alcohol burning through his system. He held the bright blue gaze in front of him, resisting the shiver that threatened to run down his spine at Jim's look. He purposely ignored Jim's statement about his counterpart being able to help. "The meld..."Spock started but was stopped by a soft sound behind him. Turning he looked up to see Nyota standing there. Her gaze wide with surprise and something else, something Spock had seen before but could never quite figure out.
"I should have known you would be here with him." Nyota looked between Jim and Spock. She sighed softly, a small smile curving her lips as she turned back to Spock. "You stay with him, ok? Don't let anything else happen to him, despite his annoying ways, we need our Captain."
Jim let out an indignant snort as he looked up at Uhura. "Gee thanks, I guess?" He chuckled ruefully, aware that he was witnessing the break up of two of his officers. "Maybe, uh, maybe I should go, you two obviously have somethings to talk about."
Spock looked over at Jim, his mind fuzzy from the alcohol. He frowned at Jim's suggestion but knew he needed to talk to Nyota before pursuing anything further with Jim. "I will find you later to finish our conversation, Jim." He said in a hushed voice, watching as Jim's flush darkened. He could feel the reaction go straight through him, making him hard with want.
Jim nodded, glancing back over at Uhura he sighed. "I'll be in my quarters." He stood up, leaving his glass on the table and heading back the way he'd come. He had been so close to getting an answer from Spock and then Uhura had shown up...
"Hey, hey where ya' goin' Jimbo?"
Jim blinked, surprised to have found his way back to his circle of friends. "I was, uh, headed to my quarters." He looked around the group and frowned. "Anything else left to eat?"
McCoy and Sulu chuckled. "Here Jim, you can have the last burger."
"Thanks Bones, god I'm starving and I can't figure out why." Jim bit into the sandwich, groaning as he chewed. "We need to do this more often."
Scotty chuckled, "Ifn you can get Mr. Spock to come out again, it would be my pleasure, Jimmy."
Jim grinned, "I'll see what I can do." He could see Spock walking back towards the group...alone. The flutter of anticipation that filled his stomach made him finish his burger and reach for another glass. Glancing over at McCoy, he sighed at the angry glower on his friends face. Chuckling softly, Jim reached for a glass of juice, jerking when Spock sat down next to him. He looked over into wide chocolate brown eyes and paused. "Spock?"
"We will speak of it later." Spock said softly. His head was swimming as he looked at Jim. He extended his hand, holding out Jim's forgotten glass. "You left this behind, Jim."
Jim looked down at the glass, surprised to see Spock return it to him. Taking the cup, Jim glanced down at the clear liquid then drank the rest in one gulp. Blinking at the burn of the alcohol, Jim gasped, looking between his friends with a crooked grin,
"Damnit Jim, what the ever living hell is wrong with you?! Why would you drin..." McCoy started in an angry voice.
Jim grinned as tears filled his eyes. "It was good either way." Jim gave him a lopsided grin as McCoy continued to scowl at him.
"You're such an ass at times." He grumbled, glaring at Jim then Spock. "And you," He pointed at Spock. "You did not have to bring him that damn glass. It could have stayed where it was until..."
"I did not wish for the Capt..." Spock broke off at the soft sound from Jim. "For, Jim, not to enjoy the rest of his beverage." Spock looked at the doctor with wide, hazy eyes. He could feel his heart racing as he shifted closer to Jim. Turning, he watched him taking in the red cheeks, slightly parted lips, and wide glassy eyes. He wanted to lean over and...
"Spock! Damnit man, I thought you couldn't get drunk off of alcohol? What the hell is wrong with you?"
Spock frowned as he looked over at McCoy. "Forgive me, doctor, it has been a rather long day." He looked down at the glass in his hand, wondering exactly what was in it. He'd never been affected by alcohol before but now, however the clear liquid before him seemed to be doing just that. He started when Jim touched his arm, a soft touch but one that left his skin tingling.
"Hey, maybe you should get some rest?" Jim frowned as he looked at Spock closely. He could see the flush high on his cheeks, the slightly unfocused eyes and wondered if maybe Spock was reacting badly to the vodka. "You're all flushed a-and it's making me nervous." Jim said softly. He started when he felt the soft brush of Spock's fingers over his. The sudden tingling warmth that spread from the small contact had him wanting more. Glancing around at the other's, Jim struggled to hide his reaction. "That's a dangerous game you're playing, Mr. Spock."
Spock felt the sharp sting of desire spread from his fingers, all the way up his arm and through out his body. He fought the urge to shift closer, to reach over and brush his fingers over Jim's again. If for no other reason than because he knew Jim would not stop him. He lifted his gaze to Jim's, his breath catching as he looked into wide cerulean blue. As blue as the ocean's on Earth. Spock couldn't help the thought nor the start of surprise when he heard Jim's soft laughter in his head. Blinking in surprise, he watched as Jim's eyes widened and his mouth formed a small o.
"We need to talk, right now." Jim stood up as fast as his shaky legs would allow. He had heard Spock's thought's about his eyes. Had been surprised when Spock seemed to have heard his silent laugh as well. Turning to his friends, Jim told them he'd catch up with them later. When all jokes, concerns, and agendas had been discussed, Jim glanced over at a silently waiting Spock. "Ready?"
"After you, Jim." Spock spoke softly, hoping Jim didn't notice how gruff his voice sounded. He followed Jim back in the direction they had taken earlier in the evening. Spock let his thoughts drift back to his conversation with Jim back in sick bay. He had seen the one Jim had asked about, Lorne, had seen what they had done to Jim on the planet and he felt his anger spike. The feeling spilling hot and heady through his veins as he tried to remember that those things had not happened to his Jim Kirk. Spock stopped short at the thought, Jim was his Captain and one of his closest friends but he was not his...exclusively.
"Spock?" Jim looked up at the silent man next to him. "Are you, umm, is, uh, is everything ok?" He stopped in front of the turbo lift, giving him a small smile.
"Yes, Jim, just thinking about the days events." Spock answered softly. He followed Jim into the lift and listened as he gave the deck number. He remained silent as he thought about what he'd seen in their meld. Was it possible, could both the meld and Nyota be right? Spock held in a sigh of confusion, his thoughts swimming in his head. He let his head drop down slowly as he tried to order his mind. He could feel the rich blue eyes watching him, hear the silent questions running through Jim's mind but he refused to look up. He needed to figure out what the images meant. Was Jim in danger and they were unaware of it? Would this...Lorne make an attempt to take Jim from the ship as he had seen in the meld?
"You know, if you would just ask the questions out loud, I wouldn't have to waste time asking you what it is your thinking." Jim watched the slight rise and fall of Spock's chest, unconsciously matching his breathing with Spock's slow breaths. "I mean, I can help you know, especially since the images are in my head."
Spock looked up at Jim, a frown curving his lips down. "I am concerned about the one known as Lorne. He seems to..." Spock scanned Jim's face, looking for any sign of discomfort. "He seems to, trouble you."
"Yeah, well I don't really know. I mean you and Bones said Nilteva isn't dead and I'm still here on the ship. So I don't think he's going to be an issue, unless they decide to come after...wait Spock, what the...where the hell are you going?!" Jim jerked as the lift was stopped abruptly and Spock disembarked. "Spock?"
Spock moved down the corridor towards sickbay. He needed to reassure himself that Nilteva was indeed there and Jim was safe. Walking through the doors, Spock paused, looking around the wide space, turning to his left he made his way towards the small room where their prisoner was currently being held. Taking a deep breath, he raised his hand to put in his security code...until Jim's soft voice stopped him.
"Spock, what's going on?" Jim had followed Spock back to sickbay. He looked around them, trying to figure out why it was so important that Spock get back here to sickbay.
"I must make sure you are no longer in danger. If the memories you retain have already passed there is nothing to prove that something close to it would not happen here." Spock turned back to the door, he knew he probably sounded irrational to Jim but he had seen his reaction to Jim's kidnapping. Had felt the hot wave of rage that slipped over him, clouding his mind to everything but the desire to reclaim what had been taken from him. "After everything we have experienced in our missions..."
"It's better safe than sorry." Jim finished. He nodded as Spock looked back at him. "I'll wait here, I don't think you need me in there to help piss you off."
Spock wanted to refuse, the image of Jim being taken from sickbay flashed through his head. "Jim..." He frowned, not wanting to leave Jim alone.
"I'll be fine, go do whatever it is you need to do so we can get out of here, ok?" Jim looked around the solemn area. He hated sickbay, largely because it held no fond memories for him. Focusing on Spock, he took a small breath, shaking off the uneasy feeling chasing along his nerves. "Hurry up," Jim looked down at his feet. "I forgot my shoes." He looked up with a small smile, feeling his face heat at the look Spock gave him.
Spock looked down at the pink toes, watched in fascination as Jim wiggled them against the floor. "I will return for thee, Ashaya." Spock said softly. He looked up at Jim, his gaze moving over him slowly. Sucking in a quick breath, Spock turned, entered his code and walked into the room. All he needed now was to verify whether Nilteva was dead...or alive.
